24 types of psychologists explained: What they do, and how to become one

Are you considering a fulfilling career helping others? Understanding the different types of psychologists is a great starting point. Many Australians aren’t aware that there are various types of psychologists, each with its own unique area of focus.

If you’re exploring career options, knowing career pathways can give you direction. If you need mental health care, knowing your options can help you find the right support.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of psychologists in Australia. We’ll discuss how to become a psychologist and the qualifications you need. You’ll also explore potential workplaces and get tips to help you find the right fit. 

What is a psychologist?

Psychology is the scientific study of how we think, feel, and behave. A psychologist is a trained expert who uses their skills to help people improve their mental health and quality of life. They help people understand their feelings. They also assist in making choices, managing stress, and living healthier, balanced lives.

Psychologists can work in various roles: assessing mental health, diagnosing psychological conditions, and delivering therapy. They can also conduct research, educate future professionals, and support community mental well-being.

The work of psychologists can overlap with other care workers, but there are crucial differences. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication. Counsellors offer emotional support, but often have different qualifications. Meanwhile, social workers support clients with life management and access to services.

In Australia, psychologists must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). They must also meet professional standards set by the Psychology Board of Australia.

The 24 types of psychologists (with definitions and explanations)

Each psychology specialisation leads to a different kind of work and impact. From clinical care to research, each path offers a way to support people and society. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Clinical psychologist

Clinical psychologists work with people experiencing complex mental health issues. They practise cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed approaches. 

They help people manage conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and personality disorders. You’ll find them working in hospitals, community clinics, universities, or private practice, and through telehealth.

2. Counselling psychologist

Counselling psychologists focus on everyday challenges. They help individuals and couples manage stress, relationship issues, life transitions, and grief. 

Where can you find them? In private practices, employee assistance programs (EAPs), universities, and well-being centres.

3. Educational and developmental psychologists

These professionals support learning and development at all life stages, from youth to adults. They help children with learning difficulties, and can also support teens with behavioural issues or adults facing developmental changes. 

Given the nature of their work, you can find them in schools and early learning centres. They also work in government agencies or through NDIS services.

4. Forensic psychologist

Forensic psychologists apply psychological expertise within the legal and criminal justice system, assessing individuals involved in legal cases. They may work with offenders, victims, or law enforcement. 

Their work settings include prisons, courts, forensic hospitals, and police departments.

5. Health psychologist

Health psychologists focus on how behaviour affects physical health. They help people manage chronic illnesses. Or, they help people form healthier habits, like quitting smoking or managing diabetes. 

They usually work in hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and public health services.

6. Organisational psychologist

Organisational psychologists help improve how people work. They study workplace behaviour to enhance leadership, performance, well-being, and team dynamics. 

Their work typically takes them to corporate settings and government agencies. You can also find them in consulting firms and leadership development programs.

7. Neuropsychologist

Neuropsychologists work with people affected by brain injuries or neurological conditions. They assess how these issues affect memory, attention, and behaviour. Their work often occurs in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, private practices, or research settings.

8. Sports and exercise psychologists

These psychologists support athletes and active individuals. They use psychological strategies to enhance performance, resilience, and motivation. 

You’ll typically find them working in sporting organisations and gyms. They also work with the sports teams and coaches of academic institutions.

9. Community psychologist

Community psychologists address mental health and well-being at the community level. They provide help to groups facing inequality, trauma, or social disadvantage. Their work may be in local councils, advocacy organisations, universities, or non-profits.

10. Rehabilitation psychologist

These professionals specialise in helping people cope with physical injuries, chronic illness, or disability. They support psychological adjustment and emotional well-being. You might see them in hospitals, return-to-work programs, or with NDIS providers.

11. Academic or research psychologist

Academic psychologists work in universities and research centres, conducting studies to expand our knowledge of human behaviour. Sometimes, they also teach psychology to students. Their work supports future psychologists, policymakers, and the broader research community.

12. Child psychologist

Child psychologists work with children up to age 12. They help with issues like anxiety, trauma, behavioural challenges, or family conflict. They often work in paediatric hospitals, schools, family counselling centres, or private practice.

13. Adolescent psychologist

Adolescent psychologists support teenagers through the challenges of growing up. They may help with identity, school stress, peer pressure, or mental health. Many work in high schools, youth mental health services, or via telehealth.

14. Adult psychologist

These psychologists help adults manage life’s mounting pressures. Their services can cover parenting, burnout, relationship issues, or self-identity. A lot of them work in private practices, counselling centres, as well as workplaces offering mental health support.

15. Geropsychologist

Geropsychologists assist older adults as they navigate ageing. They address issues unique to ageing, such as memory loss, grief, retirement, and chronic illness. You’ll find them working in aged care homes, hospitals, community programs, or through home visits.

16. Cultural or indigenous psychologists

Cultural psychologists specialise in culturally responsive care. They work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. But they can also support people from diverse backgrounds. Their work often takes them to community health centres, NGOs, or academic settings.

17. Environmental psychologist

These psychologists study how the physical environment influences well-being and behaviour. They often advise on the design of urban spaces or promote access to nature. They work with local governments, planning departments, or advocacy groups.

18. Military or defence psychologist

As the name suggests, military psychologists support service members and veterans. They help address issues around stress, trauma, or transition to civilian life. 

They work with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), but you may also find them in hospitals and specialist mental health services.

19. Aviation psychologist

Aviation psychologists focus on high-pressure aviation roles. They support pilots, air traffic controllers, and flight crews, helping them to address issues around managing stress, concentration, and mental well-being. 

Their work settings include airlines, defence departments, and aviation training academies.

20. Consumer or marketing psychologist

Marketing psychologists explore how people make choices about products and services. They use psychology to improve branding, marketing, and product development. Advertising agencies, research companies, or design teams often employ them.

21. Cyberpsychologist

Cyberpsychologists study how digital life and technology affect our thoughts and behaviours. They may work with tech companies, educators, or in public awareness campaigns. They can also work in UX research and cyber safety initiatives.

22. Disaster or crisis psychologist

Disaster psychologists help communities recover from traumatic events like natural disasters or pandemics. They offer psychological first aid and long-term recovery strategies. Many work with emergency response organisations, trauma centres, or government agencies.

23. Positive psychologist

Positive psychologists focus on strengths, happiness, and well-being. They help people flourish through strategies that build resilience and personal growth. They often work in coaching, education, corporate training, or wellness programs.

24. School psychologist

School psychologists support the emotional and academic needs of students. They also work closely with parents and teachers to support learning and behaviour. Their workplaces include public and private schools, education departments, and specialist teams.

How to become a psychologist in Australia

So, you want to become a psychologist in Australia. You’ll need to start with a three-year undergraduate degree in psychology. After that, you need to complete an Honours year. You can follow it up with postgraduate study, such as a Master’s or Doctorate, which takes 2 to 4 years.

Then, you must register with AHPRA. If you want to specialise, you can pursue an Area of Practice Endorsement (AoPE).  But this is optional, unless required for your chosen field.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to get you started:

• Step 1: Bachelor’s in Psychology (3 years)
• Step 2: Honours year (1 year)
• Step 3: Postgraduate study, Master’s or Doctorate (2 to 4 years)
• Step 4: Registration with AHPRA
• Step 5: Optional endorsement for specialised practice

To stay on track, you can create a study plan. Talk to academic advisors about the best postgraduate options for your interests. If you're still in high school, subjects like biology, health, or psychology can give you a head start. 

If you’re returning to study later in life, you can also reach out to universities. They can offer part-time courses and flexible learning that suit your schedule.

Tips for choosing the right psychologist

If you’re looking for mental health support, start by considering what you need help with. Are you navigating trauma, workplace stress, a significant life change, or anxiety? Make a list of your concerns so it’s easier to match them with the right specialist. 

Next, try to match your needs to a psychologist’s focus area. For example, a clinical psychologist can address issues around trauma. Meanwhile, an organisational psychologist may help with work-related stress. Use online directories or the Australian Psychological Society (APS) to filter by specialisation.

You can check a psychologist’s credentials through the AHPRA register. Enter their name to confirm their registration and any endorsements. Don’t hesitate to ask about their qualifications. You can also ask about their approaches, or if they offer sessions in person or via telehealth. 

To prepare for your first session, jot down a few notes about what you’re experiencing. Think about your goals for therapy – for example, learning to manage anxiety or improving your relationships. This will help your psychologist tailor their approach to your needs.

Most importantly, keep in mind that it’s okay to switch psychologists if the fit doesn’t feel right. Finding someone who understands you is the key to effective care.

Tips for choosing a psychology career path

Thinking about a career in psychology? Start by identifying your interests. For example, if you enjoy working with kids, you can consider becoming an educational or child psychologist. If you love understanding human motivation, organisational psychology could be for you.

Reflect on your preferred work environment. Do you want to work in a clinical setting, corporate office, school, or research lab? Picture what a typical day in each role might look like. You can start by checking out job descriptions on SEEK. Or you can watch day-in-the-life videos shared by professionals in the field.

Also, consider the lifestyle you want. Some roles, like private practice, offer more flexibility than others. Think about whether you want set hours or outcome-based work. If you prioritise work-life balance, you might prefer roles with flexible scheduling or remote work.

Talking to professionals in the field can also provide valuable insights. It’s useful to attend networking events, career expos, or webinars hosted by universities and industry bodies – you may be able to connect with industry leaders and find out about their experiences.

You can also gain hands-on experience by volunteering. Apply for internships or part-time jobs within mental health services. These opportunities can help you understand challenges in the field and figure out which specialisation aligns with your strengths and values.

Psychology jobs beyond the clinic

Psychology careers go far beyond therapy sessions. Many psychologists work in product design, leadership coaching, and education policy. You can also find them in UX research and mental health tech start-ups. This field is incredibly versatile and can align with many interests. 

If you’re interested in non-traditional roles, consider how different industries use psychology. For example, UX researchers apply behavioural science to improve digital products. Leadership coaches use psychological insights to enhance team dynamics. Education policymakers rely on developmental psychology to inform school programs.

To expand your options, consider short courses or certifications. Choose complementary fields like design thinking, data analytics, or business management. You can also explore roles like “behavioural scientist” or “human factors specialist.”

Ready to jumpstart your career in psychology?

Are you choosing a psychologist for mental health support? Or are you considering entering the profession? Understanding the different types of psychologists gives you clarity, either way. With so many areas to explore, there’s a place for every personality and passion in the world of psychology.

To learn more or take your next steps:

• Visit AHPRA to check psychologist registrations

• Explore resources at the Australian Psychological Society (APS)

• Check out psychology jobs on SEEK

FAQs

What’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist? 

Psychologists and psychiatrists both support mental health, but their training and approaches differ. Psychiatrists are medical doctors. They’ve completed medical school and can prescribe medications for mental health conditions. 

Psychologists focus on therapeutic techniques, psychological assessments, and behavioural interventions. They aren’t medical doctors and generally don’t prescribe medication in Australia.

Are psychologists in demand? 

Yes, psychologists are in high demand across Australia. 

What contributes to this demand? One is the growing awareness of mental health amid rising stress levels. Another is improved access to psychological services through Medicare. In particular, hospitals, schools, and telehealth platforms seek out psychologists. 

How much do psychologists get paid? 

Salaries for psychologists in Australia can vary based on experience, location, and specialisation. 

Entry-level psychologists earn around $70,000 to $80,000 per year. With experience and advanced qualifications, psychologists can earn upwards of $120,000. This is true for private practice or senior roles in government and healthcare.

Can psychologists prescribe medication? 

No, psychologists in Australia are not authorised to prescribe medication. Only psychiatrists and general practitioners (GPs) can do so. As medical doctors, they can prescribe medications such as antidepressants or antipsychotics. Instead, psychologists focus on therapy, behavioural strategies, and mental health assessments.

Are all psychologists qualified to diagnose mental health conditions? 

Yes, all registered psychologists in Australia can diagnose mental health conditions. Clinical psychologists, in particular, have training in diagnosing complex disorders. They use standardised tools and evidence-based approaches to develop treatment plans. 

Are there psychology jobs outside of mental health care? 

Yes. Psychology is a versatile field with many career options beyond therapy. You can always apply psychological principles in non-clinical settings. 

Psychologists can work in education, organisational development, and policy-making. They can also work in marketing, UX research, and even artificial intelligence (AI). There are plenty of career paths out there for you.